An analysis is made of the past and potential performance of new agricultural technologies for sub-Saharan Africa, whilst focusing on four main problems: gauging the success of agricultural technology introduced into the region; identifying common patterns of technology successes or failures that lead to a new strategy for technology development; the strength of the strategy when compared with evolution of past experiences; and the role of public and private sectors in the introduction of new technologies. The majority of the fieldwork and subsequent modeling was undertaken in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Sudan. The 12 chapters are divided into five sections under the following headings: the framework; technology development for specific regions looking at new technologies, combining soil and water improvements and plant breeding; critical research and planning issues for technology development; alternative strategies for disease control and livestock development; and conclusions. (CAB Abstracts)